Well there I times when I just can’t get up on that ladder one more time. Steve to the rescue! He says I am making him into and artist…no dear, I am making you into a painter. We finished two more projects yesterday and today, but I forgot to take pictures….They are faux batik wall hangings in a long empty hallway between the hospital and the AIDS clinic. Tomorrow we paint in the Childrens’ Corner!
Isn’t he cute, he even dressed to match!
Steve Van Gogh
Friday, September 3rd, 2010Takambe Youth Center
Friday, September 3rd, 2010
Well, the first two projects in the Youth Center are done but for some sealer. Steve and I and our 6 helpers managed to do them despite it being a school vacation week and about 40 kids were in there at all times. They are great kids and so eager to help and to learn
about us and our families. Felicita, Kitty, Aisha, and Aubrey, Donald, and Blessing. made it happen!
Coffin Road
Friday, September 3rd, 2010On our way to the clinic, we have to drive on “Coffin Road” where there are many, many coffin makers…and a few furniture makers. Business of like nature seem to cluster together. I understand $40 will get you this basic model. The plates of ribbon loops hanging on the right are what they use for flowers at funerals. We have passed a cemetary and it appears 
that you buy the plot and invite your friends to help you come dig. We have seen several groups of all women circled around a grave…that means it was an infant,miscarriage, or abortion. Families here have a lot of kids so they can have “spares.”
Painting – With A Little Help From My Friends
Tuesday, August 31st, 2010
Well, we came here to be put to work.
Our first painting project was some art in the Takumbe Youth Center on the grounds of the clinic. We were assigned 6 hand picked youth (18-21yrs) who we thought would take more ownership of the project if they were involved.
We prepped (sanded and scrubbed) the 2 large walls in two separate rooms, and have painted a lot and are 
about 85% done at this point. The kids are really into it and everyone seems pleased, so far. Our next project is awaiting glaze to be delivered from another city, and another is waiting for the clinic to do the base coat.
But I really wanted to brag on what we’ve done so far 
. Tomorrow I’ll show you the other room’s art work!
Crisis Orphanage
Tuesday, August 31st, 2010
We spent some of Sunday afternoon at the Crisis Orphanage; where babies are brought that either have lost parents, or a parent can’t take care of them just yet.
I have a one month old in my arms, and 2 1/2 year old Blackstone took to Steve. Blackstone was undercared for as an infant and is way behind in developement. He is just trying to walk, is not verbal, but can sure smile!
We took plastic pants and will return with some blankets, because when a child gets a home, they send them with a blanket!
Lunch With The Staff
Sunday, August 29th, 2010
At the Moyo Clinic, a caterer brings in lunch for the staff , there are 106 when they are all there). We have been invited to partake in this pot luck line at noon, sharp (snooze you lose)!
We tried the staple of the country “nsima” a patty of mush that seems to take on the flavor of what it is served with, a gravy or such. Steve thought it was a cream of wheat taste, but I thought it was definitely a thick wallpaper paste. Along with this was rice, beans, greenbeans and carrots and a chicken leg!
Thank heavens KC sent us with “sporks” (spoon/fork – spoon with tongs) because most just pinched it together with their hands, or tackled the larger pieces with a toothpick!
They have a little company store that sells bottled coke products and cookies and crackers. A lot of carbs and no McDonalds in sight.
Ending My Friday
Friday, August 27th, 2010Finally got to work on some murals today but paint availability is still an issue. Hope all is well there, things are unusual here but so far, so good.
We will be going to Lake Malawi tomorrow which is about 1 1/2 hours away. It is 365 miles long and 50 miles wide and it looks like an ocean, I hear.
Love and miss you. I would say wish you were here, but I wouldn’t do that to you.
Where Did I Put The Keys?
Friday, August 27th, 2010
We are currently residing with Dr. Perry and Brenda Jansen and their kids Nate, Erin and Olivia. They live in the older section of town on an acre surrounded by a 10′ block wall, topped with an electric fence and barbed wire. There is a guard on site 24/7 and an on-call private security firm. Brenda says if you call the police, you’d probably have to go pick them up and give them a pencil and paper to write up the report.
Our attached guest house has two entry doors with dead bolt and an iron gate with a 5 lb padlock that we latch every night. Let’s see, bars on the windows, 2 German shepherds, I guess that’s it.
Oh and the best protection, is the mosquito netting over the bed.
Up in Smoke
Friday, August 27th, 2010Dry season, Wet season, Cold season,and Burning season.
We are in Dry/Burning season. High 70′s in the day and low 60′s at night and always a haze of smoke. Fields, prunings, trash, you name it and they burn it. Then it’s “ashes, ashes, they all fall down” on your clothes, in the contacts, on the computer, in the lungs.
Lilongwe
Friday, August 27th, 2010Driving in Lilongwe is on the WRONG SIDE OF THE ROAD! And so many people everywhere, some on bikes with balanced baskets, papoosed babies, beggars astride traffic, slow moving, bundles of sticks, lock you car door, try not to stare, close your eyes, traffic coming right at you, traffic lights but the power is out. phew, made it home behind the wall.